Thousands of farmers from various organizations across Punjab converged at Chandigarh's Dussehra Ground in Sector 43 on Wednesday, responding to a call given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM). The massive demonstration marked the fifth anniversary of the protest against the now-repealed agricultural laws and saw participants raising several key demands regarding agricultural policies.
Traffic Management and City Impact
The protest significantly disrupted traffic movement in and around Sector 43, though the city largely avoided major gridlock thanks to proactive measures by the Chandigarh traffic police. The authorities had pre-announced traffic diversions and restrictions on several roads, actively requesting commuters to use alternative routes during the demonstration period.
The UT district court in Sector 43 experienced mixed impact due to the farmers' rally. While a heavy traffic jam was anticipated between 11 am and 3 pm across the city, the district Bar association had previously expressed concerns about lawyers reaching court premises on time. Many advocates ultimately could not reach court at their scheduled times due to traffic disruptions caused by the protest.
Courts demonstrated flexibility by adjourning hearings to future dates in cases where lawyers failed to appear, taking the extraordinary situation into account. This marked the first time the UT administration granted permission for such a rally at Sector 43, which lasted for approximately three hours.
Post-Rally Developments and Future Plans
Following the conclusion of the rally, minor traffic disruptions occurred as many farmers were seen purchasing liquor from a vend situated at Attawa village chowk. Police personnel promptly reached the spot and cleared the area to restore normal traffic flow.
During the rally, SKM leaders announced they would hold a crucial meeting on November 28 where a major movement would be declared. The farmers concluded their protest by submitting a memorandum to Punjab transport department joint secretary Navraj Singh Brar.
Farmers issued a stern warning regarding the Jalandhar sugar mill, threatening to block the highway in Jalandhar on Thursday if the facility is not reopened. This indicates escalating tensions around specific agricultural infrastructure issues in the region.
Key Demands of Protesting Farmers
The protesting farmers presented a comprehensive list of demands during the Chandigarh rally:
- A law guaranteeing purchase of all crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP) with prices fixed according to the Dr. Swaminathan Commission report
- Complete waiver of loans for farmers and agricultural laborers
- Implementation of pension schemes for farming communities
- Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act-2013
- Punishment for culprits involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident
- Government action to ban free trade agreements affecting agricultural sectors
The substantial turnout and organized nature of the protest demonstrate continued mobilization among farming communities in Punjab regarding unresolved agricultural issues, setting the stage for potential larger movements in the coming weeks.
